Final answer:
The correct ledger account effect for AAA Consulting Services' cash receipt for future services is a debit to Cash and a credit to Unearned Revenue, option C, reflecting an increase in both assets and liabilities by $6,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
When AAA Consulting Services collects $6,000 cash for services to be provided in the future, this represents an increase in the company's assets, specifically in the form of cash. However, the service has not yet been provided, so this cash collection cannot be recognized as revenue at the time of receipt. Instead, it is recorded as a liability called unearned revenue. The correct journal entry to reflect this transaction would involve an increase (debit) to Cash and an increase (credit) to Unearned Revenue, which is a liability. Both accounts would be affected by the same amount, reflecting the accrual accounting principle that requires revenue to be recognized when earned, not necessarily when cash is received.
The accounting equation remains in balance, as the increase in assets is offset by an increase in liabilities. Therefore, the correct option that shows how recognizing the cash receipt will affect the company's ledger accounts is:
C. Assets = Liabilities + Stockholders' Equity
Cash = Unearned Revenue
6,000 6,000